Fall Fashion Shopping Guide | September 2013

Fall Into Stellar Style With Our September Must Haves

It's been a long time since we've needed to go back-to-school shopping, but something about September makes us long for the days of freshly minted notebooks, brand-new backpacks, and unscuffed shoes ready for their Fall debut. Although we aren't heading to class anytime soon, this month marks the start of another type of education for us fashion editors. With the kickoff of Fashion Month, we're saying goodbye to the lazy days of Summer and hello to the structure of our own school year of sorts.

We're stocking up on essentials, from buckled boots to tweed pencil skirts to crisp button-downs. Shop all of our editors' September must-have style picks, here in the gallery.

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The bomber jacket is set to be the piece for Fall. I'm planning on getting a leg up on the game by ordering mine, ASAP. This T by Alexander Wang pick ($340) nails the trend, but is simple enough to feel chic and grown-up, instead of too varsity cheerleader.

Soon it will be Fall, and we will be reaching for the coziest sweaters to pair with the comfiest skinny jeans and hopefully those Isabel Marant boots we've all been dreaming about. This arrow-print knit by O'2ND ($350) is deliciously soft in a relaxed and boxy cut that will work with all of your basics. Consider this the go-to Fall uniform.

— Meg Cuna, style director

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Made of mostly legs, I usually like to keep my skirts short and sweet, but when I spotted this metallic Zara pencil skirt ($139), I knew my exclusive relationship with minis had come to an end. I'll style it with a sheer black blouse and oxblood pumps for work, then funk it up with a concert tee and chelsea boots at night.

— Mandi Villa, contributing editor

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Wellies tend to be more in the dependable than thrilling category of our shoe wardrobes, but thanks to the always-cool touch of Rag & Bone and the heritage craftsmanship of Hunter, this pair of black and navy rubber boots ($295) mange to be both. Now where's a puddle that needs jumping in?

— Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, fashion and beauty director

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I've been obsessed with Miansai's cord bracelets for quite some time, but the overall effect was always a bit casual and sporty for my everyday wear. The label's latest addition, a delicate gold pendant ($140), dropped its anchor on my heart with the same, classic nautical effect.

— Randy Miller, associate editor

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This Brixton Panama hat ($55) is the perfect transitional accessory. The rich red hue evokes a cozy Fall feeling, and the timeless silhouette guarantees panache for years to come. I plan on using it to tame my unruly mane while cheering on the Niners at Candlestick Park — at least for one more year.

— MV

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After perfecting the outwear game, Mackage has made bags! They avoided ODing on embellishment or hardware, which can quickly make a bag look garish. I'd include this black and navy blue pick ($495) in my stable any day.

I wanted every look from the Tibi Fall 2013 collection — but I'll start with the Piper boots ($598). I made a mental note when they hit the runway last season: these are the perfect Fall boots — walkable heel, cool-girl buckles, slick pointed-toe — and I'm pleased to report I'm just as obsessed now that Fall shopping is finally here.

— Hannah Weil, associate editor

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I'm one of the few who still loves to take notes by hand — no computers for me! When heading back to school, why not make sure you're the chicest in class with a Smythson notebook ($60), whose leather binding will only get better as you spill ink on it.

— Robert Khederian, editorial assistant

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Nothing says "Fall" to me like a tweed pencil skirt — the problem is I always feel a bit too conservative when I wear the classic style. Proenza Schouler's scalloped design ($896) is almost more sporty than studious in the schoolyard spectrum, and is subtle enough to go with my boldest Autumn prints.

— RM

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With the '90s grunge trend back with a vengeance, Equipment Reese punk plaid blouse ($248) seems super relevant right now. I like that, unlike other plaid shirts, the high/low hemline gives it a feminine twist. I will definitely be tying this one around my waist and wearing it over all my favorite tanks.

— Melody Nazarian, associate editor

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Wednesday Addams raised spiders and was a ballerina. She had chic pale skin, shiny raven hair, deadpan wit, and morbid interests. I've been secretly channelling her prim but dark style for seasons and find this A.P.C. tie-neck dress ($380) the perfect interpretation of it.

— MC

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Just when I think I have enough jeans to last me a lifetime, I find a pair that makes me reconsider! Distressed but not too shredded, the perfect fabric weight for transitional weather, and the right length on my 34-inch inseam legs — I may indeed have to find shelf space for the D-ID "Florence" ankle skinny jeans ($178).

— MLG

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The beginning of Fall means it's time to start thinking about booties! This Isola pair ($139) is a classic style, but with just a bit of fringe for something extra.

— LM

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I've been counting down to Phillip Lim's collaboration with Target for months — now when my calendar alert goes off to shop the launch on Sept. 15, I'm making a beeline for this now-iconic comic book sweatshirt. I can't think of anything cooler to wear with my pencil skirts at the office or jeans on the weekends — boom!

— HW

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Want to cross off Fall 2013's biggest trends in one wear? This mix-match printed shirt from Topshop ($76) combines a few runway staples that always work: black-and-white and mixed prints. Both stripes and polka dots do so well on their own — why not splice them together?

— KS

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I tap into my inner prepster when thinking about back-to-school shopping. I instantly fell in love with the earthy plaid or the menswear-inspired bow tie on this Kiel James Patrick bracelet ($58). It's time for the leaves to start falling.

— RK

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With a contemporary balance of sophistication and urban cool, these crepe Vince joggers ($295) will be my new staple for work and play. The pleated front and tonal tuxedo-stripes cater to the prim and polished, while the low-slung hip and banded ankles lend a sporty-chic touch.

— MV

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Every Fashion Week requires one big-ticket splurge and this Boy by Band of Outsiders leather-collar shirtdress ($795) is it. I could totally see Taylor Tomasi Hill rocking it with a great pair of heels — and when it comes to Fashion Week outfits, I'll take a page out of Taylor's book any day of the week.

— HW

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We're officially heading into those tricky transitional days when it's warm at noon and chilly at night. Enter this Levi's denim jacket ($110) to save the day. Wear it over a t-shirt, dress, button-up — really anything! The dark wash will keep things sleek and slightly dressy.

— RK

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Fashion Week is a marathon of juggling lots of different issues: scheduling issues, wardrobe issues, public transit issues, is-your-name-on-the-list issues — the issues are, well, legion. But Society 6's More Issues iPhone Case ($35) is a cheeky way to remind ourselves that no matter how many issues there are, Fashion Week is about doing what we love.

— JF

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I always crave a good cargo pant during Fall and I like that this pair by 3.1 Phillip Lim ($375) has a dressy feel. That means I can wear it to work during the day with a blazer and flats, but then easily rock it at night with dressier pieces like a sheer blouse, heels, and statement jewels.

— MN

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We can't get enough of the slip-on sneaker trend, and I think I can pinpoint the moment I saw these animal-print sneaks ($60) at the Gap Fall 2013 preview as the moment my obsession began. The texture of the calf hair combined with the cobalt-and-black leopard print takes these from being just what I throw on to run errands to being the centerpiece of my weekend wardrobe.

— MLG

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With all the leather that came down the Fall runways, leather jackets are something that I've been thinking about since, well, February. An option like Schott's Perfecto ($990) is not only warm enough to get you to Winter, but it's also so classic and timeless that it'll never go out of style.

— JF

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If you're looking for the It bag of the Fall, you've found it. Not only has the Louis VuittonW bag ($3,700) been on the arm of every chic celebrity of late, but it also starred alongside Michelle Williams in the brand's Fall campaign.

You're about to see Burberry's Fall 2013 runway hearts everywhere — mark my words. They're cute on flats ($495) and not as rough on the wallet as the shirts and dresses.

— LM

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When I'm running around between shows at Fashion Week, I need something to cary my shoes, notebooks, phone (make that phones), chargers, snacks, and more. No paper bag will do, so Suno's brand-new totes ($50) — durably made in Kenya and designed with archive prints — will carry me through my days.

— RM

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You're looking at my new favorite oxfords: the Tsubo Rylees ($150). They're so comfy, but besides that, I can't get enough of the rich color. It instantly screams Fall. Plus, the patent cap toe and slip-on detail make it stand out from a sea of oxfords.